Crossing the Threshold is designed for those who are

• Approximately between the ages of 25-40
• Desiring to deepen the spiritual foundation of their life and work
• Seeking a supportive spiritual community
• Interested in contemplative practices, including prayer and meditation
• Willing to learn within an ecumenical framework that includes wisdom from many traditions
• In a season of life where mental, physical, and spiritual health will be supported and engaged by the addition of this personal investment (not during a time of overburdened schedules or overwhelming personal crisis)

This program provides authentic connection and support through one-on-one mentoring, confidential peer groups, retreats, book resources and writing, and additional spiritual formation opportunities through Shalem’s short-term programs.

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Crossing the Threshold Timeline

The program begins with the First Residency. A reading list to begin at-home preparation will be provided in advance.

First Residency: To be determined
On Zoom

Second Residency: To be determined
On Zoom

Final Retreat Day: To be determined
On Zoom

At-Home Completion: To be determined
Final Paper or Project due

Program Components

At-home work includes:

• A personal spiritual practice, including a daily discipline of prayer/ meditation/ presence for God
• At least one personal 24-hour, silent retreat per year as the start of a lifelong habit
• Participation in Shalem’s online education programs
• Monthly reflections about your spiritual life and leadership with your staff mentor, who will be a resource for you throughout the program
• Peer reflection sessions with other participants that meet every four to six weeks for mutual support, accountability and encouragement; Shalem will provide guidelines for reflection. Peer groups will be facilitated by a staff person for the duration of the program.
• Selected required readings, plus many optional readings, on spiritual life, leadership, environmental concerns and peace-making initiatives; a bibliography will be provided
• Brief reflection papers on the readings
• An opportunity to design and carry out an independent project, supervised by a Shalem mentor
• A final paper or project based on your experience in the program

A Certificate of Completion is awarded at the end of the program to all participants who have met the program requirements.

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COST

• Cost to be determined

Need-based tuition assistance is available. For more information, contact ArDonna at ardonna@shalem.org

There may be an opportunity to participate in the second residency in person at a retreat center in the Washington, DC area. An additional fee would be charged to participants who choose this option. To gauge interest, please let us know on your application if you are interested in participating in person. Submitting your application and paying your deposit does not reserve your spot to participate in person. In the event that we are able to hold the second residency in person, we will add the additional fee to your program installments.